Step 2:

Preparing for Your Prosthesis

After you arrive home, you may begin to prepare for your prosthesis fitting:

Take care of your wound (with sutures or staples still in)

Keep your residual limb straight as often as you can

Continue exercises learned in the hospital

Move safely at all times to prevent falls

Keep all follow-up appointments

Step 3:

Your Prosthetic Fitting

Once your wound has healed, your first visit to the prosthetist may take place. He or she will begin fitting you with a preparatory prosthesis. During this stage, the main goals are:

Daily care of your residual limb

Daily use of a shrinker sock

Desensitization and scar massage

Continued stretching and strengthening of muscles

Step 4:

Using Your Prosthesis

You will use the preparatory prosthesis until your residual limb has reached a stable size. This can take 2-6 months. Then you may receive a definitive (sometimes called permanent) prosthesis. This prosthesis may have a more natural look or have more advanced parts. Or, you will continue to use the preparatory prosthesis and it will serve as your definitive prosthesis. During this stage, you’ll learn how to:

Don (put on) and doff (take off) the prosthesis

Adjust sock ply (thickness)

Walk with your prosthesis, using parallel bars

Use a walking aid (such as a walker or cane)

Walk without an aid, if possible

Prevent falls

Care for and clean the prosthesis

Gradually increase the length of time the prosthesis is worn each day

opSolutions will schedule routine follow-up visits . If you need immediate assistance we can be reached 24x7 at 210-614-5500